This one’s for you, Christine Osborne

At the 2013 Kids Run & Wonderfest, Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. proclaimed May 16 at Christine Osborne Day in the city of Charleston. PHOTO PROVIDED

City of Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. declared May 16 to be Christine Osborne Day in Charelston.

The mayor made the declaration on-stage during the Kids Run & Wonderfest at Hampton Park on Friday, April 5. Riley stated, “Christine does so much for the children in this community,” as he honored Osborne, the owner of Wonder Works, with stores in Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, downtown Charleston and on Kiawah Island.

May 16 is Osborne’s birthday, and was proclaimed an official day in Charleston to celebrate her many contributions to the toy industry, children’s charities and the Charleston community.

Surprised to receive the honor, Osborne said, “I am speechless. I had no idea this was happening. Mayor Riley has been a supporter of all our endeavors to honor children for their incredible contributions to this community and I hope that on May 16th, everyone will celebrate all of the youngsters who have started their own businesses and created non-profits right here in the Lowcountry.”

Craig Young from Toysmith, one of Wonder Works’ toy vendors based in Washington state, wrote a letter to the mayor months ago requesting a proclamation in her honor, even a street named after her.

Young said, “Christine is so amazing and does so much for our industry and in her community. I wanted to do something special for her that singled her out. She’s always shining a light on others. This one’s for her.”

Wonder Works was a key partner in planning and promoting the 2013 Cooper River Bridge Run & Wonderfest event.

An estimated 7,500 parents and children attended the April 5 event this year, a notable increase from the previous year.

Julian Smith, CRBR Executive Director approached Osborne during her company’s 2012 Wonderfest event and asked her if the toy store chain would like to partner with the Kids Run to bring in child entertainers, philanthropists and entrepreneurs.

Osborne agreed and went to work adding national toy company sponsors at the festival and handing out more than 6,000 free toys to children who attended the Hampton Park event on April 5.

To learn more about Wonder Works and all of the stores’ wonderfuntastical toys and events, visit www.wonderworkscharleston.com or www.facebook.com/WonderWorksToys.

For more information, visit www.wonderworkscharleston.com.

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